An early incarnation of a dedicated county
recorder of deeds was established with the creation of
Cook County in 1831. In 1848, it was eliminated, being merged into the position of
clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County (which was renamed "clerk and recorder"). For decades thereafter, the clerk of the Circuit Court served as the
ex-officio county recorder of deeds. An independent position of Cook County recorder of deeds was re-created in December 1872. The office formally ceased to exist on December 7, 2020. ==Officeholders==